Movie review: "Ondine"

Thursday

Sep 2, 2010 at 12:01 AMSep 2, 2010 at 7:12 PM

On the surface, "Ondine" is a fantasy about a woman who becomes snared in the nets of a troubled Irish fisherman, Syracuse (Colin Farrell). But lurking underneath the fantasy are dark and troubled waters.

On the surface, "Ondine" is a fantasy about a woman who becomes snared in the nets of a troubled Irish fisherman, Syracuse (Colin Farrell). But lurking underneath the fantasy are dark and troubled waters.

The beautiful and mysterious woman (Alicja Bachleda) calling herself Ondine (meaning "from the sea") claims to have no memory. Once she arrives, things take a turn for the better for Syracuse, who's raising a daughter suffering from kidney failure while trying to remain sober himself.

Syracuse's daughter believes Ondine is a mythical Celtic selkie bringing him good luck. Soon he begins to believe it too, but he's wary of Ondine's secretive nature as he falls in love.

Written and directed by Neil Jordan ("The Crying Game"), "Ondine" is a quiet film that takes full advantage of the Irish coast's serene landscape, using it as subtle symbolism for a growing mystery.